Diamond day for Copthorne girlguides

Copthorne girlguides mark 60 years SUS-141218-105453001

Published:10:51Friday 26 December 2014

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What do you do when you have achieved 60 years?

That’s right – you have a party and that’s exactly what the Guiding community in Copthorne did on Saturday 22nd. The Guide and Centre in Borers Arms Road hosted a party for more than 120 former and current members and supporters of Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Rangers and their respective Leaders to mark the occasion.

There were many fun things for everyone to enjoy during the afternoon, which helped to demonstrate exactly how times have changed since the first meeting of the Girl Guides took place in Copthorne in 1939.

Everyone had an opportunity to partake in the activities that all Brownies or Guides would have had to complete such as tying their neck-tie, silver polishing and pocket inspection and there was an opportunity to see the uniforms that have been proudly worn during the years.

Guests were able to sample semaphore, unbelievably the forerunner of the current mobile phones that we all seem to carry now, international crafts, a history quiz, cooking on open fires and a look at childrens TV through the years.

There were lots of very interesting displays of photos and newspaper clippings and associated memorabilia to show just how Guiding has changed since the first group was set up in 1939 and there was a lot of fun trying to ‘spot’ each other in the more recent photos.

A delicious tea was laid on by Friends of Guiding and this was followed by long service award presentations and the results for the various competitions that had been run during the afternoon were announced and prizes awarded.

The results of a competition that had recently been run, to design a commemorative badge were also announced and the various winners were awarded with certificates and prizes and a celebration cake was cut.

Everyone was given a party bag as they left with their own commemorative badge and piece of the celebration cake.